Sony Electronics introduces the VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS), an ultra-compact accessory for the award-winning VENICE 2 digital cinema camera. This latest addition to the CineAlta lineup will debut at NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas, opening on April 6.
The VENICE 2 builds upon its predecessor with a compact design, internal recording, and the choice between a newly developed 8.6K full-frame sensor or the original 6K sensor, maintaining popular features such as Dual Base ISO, advanced color science, and built-in ND filters.
The VENICE Extension System Mini is a significantly smaller alternative to the existing VENICE Extension System 2, offering filmmakers enhanced creative flexibility. It integrates the VENICE 2’s 8.6K full-frame CMOS sensor into a body roughly the size of a smartphone, approximately 70% smaller than its predecessor.
"I love the size of the VENICE Extension System Mini,” says Director of Photography Claudio Miranda ASC who was one of the first people in the world to use the system. He continues, “I love that you can put it anywhere, like a Formula One race car when you’re racing. You have the full resolution of a real cinema camera. It’s nice to have that flexibility without compromising image quality.”
Designed for handheld and extreme action shots, the Mini system allows the sensor block to be separated from the camera body by up to 40 feet, making it ideal for gimbals, vehicle rigs, and immersive cinematography. Maintaining Sony’s high standards for image quality, the VENICE Extension System Mini includes a custom drop-in ND cartridge system with nine glass Neutral Density (ND) filters, including a clear ND, ensuring seamless integration with the VENICE 2.
The system also offers enhanced mounting and rigging options, with a detachable, thinner connection cable for easier installation in confined spaces. A PL mount adapter expands lens compatibility while supporting lens metadata input.
A notable feature is the ability to use multiple VENICE Extension System Mini units for stereoscopic imaging, matching the average human interpupillary distance of 64mm. This setup is ideal for virtual reality and VFX applications, allowing filmmakers to create immersive, high-fidelity visuals. The compact design, flexible cable system, and customizable rigging options make it a versatile tool for modern productions.
Since its launch, the VENICE series has been widely adopted in Hollywood blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water. The VENICE Extension System Mini continues this legacy, delivering next-generation cinematography in an ultra-portable form.
🎥🎬👉🏿Available in summer 2025 for a suggested retail price of $25,000, the system includes optional accessories like a 12m extension cable (CBK-12C3621) and an ND filter kit (CBK-ND1K), expanding its capabilities for diverse shooting environments.
